The Growing Incidence of Autoimmune Disease


By Jaquel Patterson, ND T


he incidence of autoimmune con- ditions grows yearly, particularly rheumatic conditions, though there


is limited scientifi c proof why the immune system inappropriately attacks itself. There are a variety of reasons that autoimmune conditions can be exacerbated, particularly stress, sun, or chronic disease conditions. With over 80 different types of autoim- mune conditions, the most prevalent being multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several doctor visits before being formally diagnosed.


As a naturopathic physician, you always need to ask these questions with any patient you see, “what is the underlying cause” and “what is the initiating factor”. For some individuals, autoimmune conditions may be hereditary, women are affected more com- monly, as well as specifi c ethnic groups.


Hormones Studies have shown that the X


chromosome has a higher signifi cance of genes as compared to the Y chromosome; women are XX and men XY. Additionally, estrogen affects the immune system direct- ly particularly for genetically susceptible individuals. It is important to look at the role hormones may have on an autoim- mune condition if not regulated well. Hormonal blood testing can be completed as well as specialty tests for a comprehen- sive review of hormones and metabolites to clearly identify if there is a hormonal imbalance that can be properly addressed through hormone therapy, nutritional


24 Natural Nutmeg - April 2020


supplementation, diet and lifestyle. Some common herbs used to regulate hormones include vitex/chaste tree, DIM (found in cruciferous vegetables), and dong quai.


Leaky Gut and Food Sensitivities


In addition to hormones as possible triggers, gastrointestinal function must be looked at. Individuals with gastrointes- tinal issues like IBS have been found to have more T cells and mast cells in their intestine as compared to others. T cells produce an immune response against pathogens; if imbalanced, your immune system does not function correctly. Also, leaky gut (a weak lining of the gastroin- testinal tract) has been linked with higher incidences of autoimmune disease, e.g. lupus, and MS. The barrier of the gut must be supported to decrease infl ammation, and consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and coffee will exacerbate condi- tions. Also, gluten and dairy have been found to be infl ammatory and individuals with food sensitivities will be more affect- ed. I would recommend reviewing food allergies and sensitivities to determine if there is a daily, aggravating factor on the system due to food consumption. You may want to consider high dose probiotics including spore-based probiotics. There are many varieties of probiotic types that can be recommended by a naturopathic physician or functional medicine doctor. Several supplements help to repair the gastrointestinal tract, for example, l-glu- tamine or deglycyrrhizinated licorice and


pre-biotics like arabinogalactan, which is also an immune-modulator that may help.


Stress


Stress plays a huge role in autoimmune conditions. It causes infl ammation and may be the initiating factor for an autoimmune fl are-up. It exposes you to a greater chance of adrenal fatigue, insomnia and gastroin- testinal issues. You must make the time to fi nd something every day that brings you joy and provides a sense of happiness and calm. Even 5 minutes a day of meditation, prayer or other spiritual practice have been shown to have dramatic improvements on cortisol levels, serotonin, epinephrine and melatonin. A trained practitioner can help you to complete adrenal function tests to pinpoint exactly where you need support- ive care for your adrenal glands. Adapto- genic herbs like ginseng, holy basil, ash- waganda and rhodiola may provide some symptomatic relief in addition to adrenal glandulars for stress. Lifestyle management is a key fi rst point of care.


Infections and Molecular Mimicry Why does the body mistakenly at-


tack its immune system and is unable to differentiate self from non-self? It can be frustrating when you are not feeling better, when diet and lifestyle do not resolve your autoimmune conditions, and treatment is ridding of the pain but still hasn’t improved your energy. Something commonly over- looked, and what I’m going to spend most of my time discussing here, are infections


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